Welcome to my guide on beautiful black skin! If you’re looking for tips and tricks on how to achieve a radiant, glowing complexion, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll be covering a range of topics, including the best moisturizers for black skin, home remedies for black skin care, and vitamins that can help make your skin glow. I’ll also be discussing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a common skin condition that can affect black skin.
Summer is approaching and we want that beautiful glowing, melanated black skin. Unfortunately, things like hyperpigmentation, dryness, and possibly underlying health issues keep us from being great. Add these tips to your body skincare routine to achieve the appearance of healthy flawless skin.
What Are You Washing With?
Your monotonous body skincare routine might need some tweaking in order to achieve that beautiful black skin you’ve been longing for. Things like soaps, detergents, and water can be holding you back from having that glowing beautiful black skin you so desire.
Soaps for Beautiful Black Skin
I love a soap that leaves me smelling delicious; Unfortunately, that is not all that is left behind. Soaps usually contain several allergens, including fragrances that cause skin irritation, or unsightly rashes. Go for more natural soaps (goat milk soap) or soaps made specifically for sensitive skin such as Dove.
Hard Water Tough Skin
Do you notice soap residue or a film on your skin after hopping out of the shower? You are experiencing the effects of hard water on your skin. Hard water contains pore-clogging minerals, which strip away the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Hard water will have your skin feeling dry out here in these streets. Continued use of hard water can lead to skin conditions acne, or eczema.
How to Combat Hard Water
A quick trip to your local Home Depot can change your entire skin life. A water filtration system for your house can be expensive. Ask your customer service rep about water filters for the bathroom. For me, it was as simple as changing the showerhead.
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Test Your Water
Laundry Detergents
Similar to soap laundry detergents contain allergens along with other preservatives, dyes, and chemicals. Ingredients in your favorite smell-good detergent are causing dermatitis. Personally, I switched my detergent out for lavender scent Dr. Bronners Pure Castile Soap.
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) and Black Skin: What You Need to Know
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the bane of a black woman’s healthy glowing skin journey. Often we have unsightly marks left behind from acne, mosquito bites, or childhood mishaps. Yes, products containing hydroquinone like Ambi work, but not as fast as we would like.
While taking care of your skin is important, it’s also worth noting that certain skin conditions can affect black skin more frequently. One such condition is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is characterized by the development of dark spots on the skin. PIH can occur as a result of inflammation or injury to the skin, and is more common in people with deeper skin tones.
If you’re dealing with PIH, there are a number of treatments that can help to improve the appearance of your skin, including topical creams, chemical peels, and laser treatments.
All those turmeric concoctions and home remedies also work but are messy, and time-consuming. Stepping up my exfoliation game is what really took my skin to another level. Exfoliation basically removes dead skin, leaving you with fresh new baby skin.
See more of my fave exfoliators in my post 8+ Amazing Body Exfoliators for Hyperpigmentation That Actually Work.
Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliation involves using rough material to slough off dead skin cells.
My personal favorite physical exfoliants include sugar scrubs, towels, and dry brushing. I don’t recommend using a scrub if you have highly sensitive skin; Go for an exfoliating towel or gloves with your usual body wash. Dry Brushing not only exfoliates the skin but also stimulates the lymphatic system, increases circulation, rids the body of toxins, and breaks down cellulite.
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Chemical Exfoliation
At your next esthetician appointment inquire about chemical peels. It is chemical exfoliation from ingredients like salicylic, trichloroacetic, lactic, and glycolic acids to improve skin tone and texture. These acids break down the bonds between dead skin cells, peeling a layer of dead skin. Expect to have downtime. Depending on the depth of the peel wait 2-4 weeks before doing the peel again.
While I never advise people to perform their own chemical treatments at home; I understand being on a budget and wanting clear beautiful skin. Check out MakeupArtistChoice for reasonable prices, and PlatinumSkinCare for thorough instructions. Do what you will with that information.
I use body wash and moisturizers containing lactic, or glycolic acid two to three times a week to maintain my results.
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Be Mindful of Your Hair Removal Process
In a dream world, we wouldn’t grow hair in places we don’t want. In another reality, we could all afford laser hair removal and move on with our lives. The way you remove hair can impact the overall appearance of your skin.
Before hair removal, be sure to exfoliate to avoid strawberry legs, ingrown hairs, and other skin irritations. Choose a method to remove that is comfortable for you.
I switch between shaving, chemical remover (Nair), and waxing. When shaving, and waxing move in the direction of hair growth. I personally like to shave with men’s razors because the blades are sharper, and I get a nice close shave. I also like to use a hair conditioner rather than shaving cream because it softens the body hair.
Obviously, you don’t want to burn yourself with wax, so test the inside of the wrist for temperature and spreadability.
When using products like Nair, or Veet do not exceed the instruction’s time limit. You do not want to have to treat burn wounds.
Happy Hair Removal!
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Find the Best Moisturizer for Black Skin
Moisturizing is my favorite part of getting ready for the day. It’s like my mini spa treatment before taking on the world. Straight out of the shower or tub do not grab that towel. Air drying is your friend! Let the droplets fall where they may! Don’t completely dry before going in with your moisturizer of choice.
Some of the best moisturizers for black skin are oil-based. For a little extra oomph, I layer with my favorite body oil, and emollient-based moisturizer (Vaseline). The goal is to attract and retain moisture balance in the skin.
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Never Opt Out of Sunscreen
I absolutely love my people, but for some reason, some of us still didn’t get the memo to use sunscreen all day every day. Yes, our melanin is magical; however, it does not protect us against UV rays, skin cancer, sun damage, and signs of aging. If you did the recommended exfoliation you don’t want to risk hyperpigmentation of fresh new skin. Furthermore, sunscreen can even out skin tone.
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Vitamins to Make Your Skin Glow: The Secret to Flawless African Skin
In addition to using a moisturizer, there are a number of home remedies you can try to help improve the health and appearance of your black skin. For example, you might consider using coconut oil as a natural moisturizer, or mixing up a paste made from honey and turmeric to use as a face mask. There are also a number of vitamins that can help make your skin glow, including vitamin C, which can help to boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity, and vitamin E, which is known for its moisturizing properties.
Vitamins and supplements are a good addition to your healthy glowing skin journey. Now don’t get it twisted! You can’t eat like trash then pop a pill and have amazing skin. When I turned 30, I became a bit of a vitamin junkie for vanity reasons. Now I have a weekly vitamin and supplement cocktail rotation consisting of the following :
*Disclaimer | Consult a Physician before consuming any of these vitamins or supplements.
- MSM – Acts as a sulfur donor to keratin, reduces inflammation, strengthens protein, and reduces signs of aging.
- Glutathione – Antioxidant naturally found in human cells that neutralizes free radicals, boosts the immune system, and detoxifies the body. Controversial due to skin-lightening properties that convert melanin to a lighter color and deactivate the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps produce the pigment.
- Collagen Peptides – Help slow the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness
- Vitamin C – Antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals
- Vitamin E – Antioxidant that may be effective at reducing UV damage to the skin
- Super B Complex – reduces skin inflammation, redness, dryness as well as acne. It improves skin cell reproduction, thereby healing skin issues faster.
- Multivitamin – Produces enzymes and hormones, boosts immunity and keeps nerves and organs functioning properly. Aids in reproduction, maintenance, growth, and the regulation of bodily processes
- Evening Primrose – Moisturize and soothe, it can enhance the texture and elasticity of the skin, addressing dryness, irritation, roughness, and wrinkles.
- Probiotics – Prevents skin diseases including eczema, atopic dermatitis, acne, allergic inflammation or skin hypersensitivity, UV-induced skin damage, wound protection
- Omega 3 Fish Oil -Regulate the skin’s oil production, improve balanced hydration, subdue breakouts and minimize signs of aging. Softens rough, dry skin and has a soothing effect on irritation and dermatitis.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Glowing, Beautiful Black Skin
One of the key ingredients to beautiful black skin is moisture. Without sufficient hydration, skin can become dry, flaky, and prone to irritation. To keep your skin looking and feeling its best, it’s important to find a moisturizer that works for you. Some great options for black skin include moisturizers that are rich in Ayurvedic herbs. These herbs have been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to promote healthy, glowing skin.
Although I have shared topical products that yield great results, they are worthless without checking your diet. You will continue on the hamster wheel of combating acne, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. We all know the usual recommended dietary changes to have clear skin.
It’s been drilled in our heads, to drink more water; Cut out dairy, sugar, and greasy foods. Step up your game by adding ayurvedic herbs to your food to get glowing skin. Eat for your health, and reap the beauty rewards.
Seek Professional Guidance
I am not a skincare professional. I am simply a black woman that has experience with hyperpigmentation, body acne, and dull dry skin. I’m just merely sharing tips that have improved my skin dramatically.
As aforementioned underlying health issues are caused by skin issues. At your next appointment with your primary care provider bring up your skin concerns. More than likely they will refer you to a dermatologist. Make sure your dermatologist has experience with African American skin. Trust me I had a bad experience.
Hopefully, you leave the doctor’s office with a clean bill of health. Next research estheticians in your area. Typically estheticians will advise you on skincare routines, and products that will work for your skin. Try to make esthetician visits a regular part of your maintenance routine. Don’t let poor health management deprive you of beautiful glowing black skin.
Fake it Till You Make it
Of course, beautiful glowing black skin does not happen overnight. Don’t feel ashamed I have been there. If you just need that instant gratification look into body shimmer, or glow makeup for women of color.
Now Glow Black Girl! Glow, Black Girl! Glow!
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Conclusion
In conclusion, beautiful black skin is achievable with the right skincare routine and ingredients. Whether you’re looking for the best moisturizer for black skin, seeking out home remedies for black skin care, or searching for vitamins that can help make your skin glow, there are many options available to you. With a little bit of effort, you can have the radiant, flawless skin you’ve always wanted.
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